Nestled in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, Stroud and the nearby village of Edge offer some of the most spectacular walking country in Gloucestershire. Whether you’re a seasoned rambler or simply fancy a gentle stroll followed by a hearty lunch, this corner of the Cotswolds delivers stunning vistas, ancient woodlands, and quintessential countryside at every turn.
Discover the Best Walks Edge Has to Offer
Edge itself is perched dramatically in the hills of the Cotswold, providing walkers with panoramic views that stretch across the Severn Vale towards Wales. Edge is an ideal starting point for exhilarating ridge walks. One of the most popular routes takes you along Scottsquar Hill, where the beech woodland opens up to reveal breathtaking viewpoints. On a clear day, you can see the Malvern Hills rising in the distance, whilst the patchwork of fields below creates a scene worthy of any postcard.
The circular walk from Edge to Haresfield Beacon is a local favourite, covering roughly five miles of varied terrain. This route combines quiet lanes, woodland paths, and open grassland, with the beacon itself offering 360-degree views that make the steady climb entirely worthwhile. The toposcope at the summit helps you identify landmarks, and you’ll often spot paragliders launching from the slopes, adding a splash of colour to the sky.
Exploring Walks Near Stroud
Stroud itself serves as a perfect base for exploring numerous Cotswolds walking routes that radiate out from the five valleys that converge on this vibrant market town. The Slad Valley walk, immortalised by Laurie Lee in his beloved memoir, winds through meadows and woodland with the stream gurgling alongside. It’s a moderate route of about four miles that captures the essence of what makes this area so special.
For those seeking something more challenging, the Painswick Beacon circular from Stroud offers a rewarding workout with spectacular payoffs. This six-mile route takes you up to one of the highest points in the area, where an Iron Age hill fort once stood guard over the valleys below. The beech trees that crown the beacon create a cathedral-like atmosphere, particularly striking when autumn turns their leaves to copper and gold.
Pub Walks Gloucestershire Style
No proper Cotswolds walking experience would be complete without incorporating some of the excellent countryside pubs near Stroud. The Edgemoor Inn is perfectly positioned for walkers, offering locally sourced food and real ales in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. After tackling the escarpment paths, there’s nothing quite like settling in beside their fire with a pint of Stroud Brewery ale.
The Edgemoor Inn near Stroud holds legendary status, and it continues to serve walkers with traditional pub fare and maintains that timeless quality that makes Gloucestershire pubs so appealing. Many walkers plan their routes specifically to end up at The Edgemoor Inn, where you can sit in the garden and admire the very landscape you’ve just traversed.
Stop in at Edgemoor Inn
If you’re in need of a hearty meal or a drink – or two… we recommend stopping by Edgemoor Inn. They’re based near Stroud in the Cotswolds and serve delicious food and drink to the surrounding area including traditional Sunday lunches. Fancy a bit of food at Edgemoor Inn? Book a table with them here.
The beauty of walks near Edgemoor Inn is their accessibility and variety. You can choose anything from an hour’s gentle amble to a full day’s hiking expedition. The network of public footpaths is well maintained and clearly signposted, but we recommend you always take a phone so you can check where you are.
Whether you’re drawn by the promise of sweeping views, the tranquillity of ancient woodlands, or the prospect of a welcoming Edgemoor Inn at journey’s end, the walking country around Stroud and Edge delivers an authentic Cotswolds experience.